Compression Therapy

Objectives:

It has been well known for several decades with very good scientific evidence that compression therapy is essential in the therapeutic management of patients with venous leg ulcers. In addition, the compression therapy is traditionally used also for the prophylaxis of thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome. These indications have been discussed increasingly critical in recent years. One of the contraindications of compression therapy is the critical peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Recent findings show, however, that many patients with arterial diseases will have a benefit from compression therapy. In this respect, it is important to discuss the boundaries between the indication and contraindication. In addition, there are many (dermatological) diseases that particularly benefit from the reduction of edema by compression therapy. Compression therapy works only if it is carried out correctly. There are many aspects which influence compliance/adherence and lead to problems in clinical practice.

In this Wund-DACH key session on compression therapy, the different perspectives of different disciplines from the standpoints of phlebology, dermatology and nurses of the German speaking countries Switzerland, Austria and Germany are presented and discussed critically.

This key session is in German with simultaneous translation into English.